Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) Secretary Benhur Abalos on Thursday lauded the National Commission on Muslim Filipinos (NCMF) for playing a key role in the establishment of first-ever Muslim-Filipino museum at the Blue Mosque, Maharlika Village, Taguig City.

This, as he also said that the museum is both an honor and a symbol, which “allows the rest of the Filipinos to get a glimpse of the rich and multifaceted cultural, artistic, and historical heritage of the Muslim community.”

Dubbed as the Maharlika Cultural Museum, the facility features the 13 ethnolinguistic tribes of Muslim Filipinos.

Inside are various items including the iconic musical instrument “kulintang”, Muslim fan, Bangsamoro rectangular or tube-like wraparound garment called “malong” or “landap”, and traditional dresses of Muslim men and women.

During the launching and ribbon cutting, NCMF Secretary Atty. Guiling A. Mamondiong explained that the museum’s items came from the NCMF main office which were turned over to the Blue Mosque administration for safekeeping in a bigger facility.

Endorsement of the items and facility set-up was overseen by the Bureau of Muslim Cultural Affairs under OIC Atty. Michael Ali Mito-on.

The NCMF-NCR Regional Office under Regional Director Dimapuno A. Datu-Ramos, Jr. has been tasked to supervise the daily operations of the museum.

“Sa pamamagitan ng museum na ito matututunan natin ang kultura ng 13 Muslim tribes sa Pilipinas,” Mamondiong said.

According to Mamondiong, NCMF was established to help the Muslim Filipinos and since all 13 tribes are present in Taguig City, the Commission will work on the creation of Council of Elders with representatives from each Muslim tribe.

“Dapat lahat ng nanunungkulan sa NCMF, matulungan ang lahat ng mga Muslim Filipinos sa buong bansa,” he added.

Original Article at: https://www.dilg.gov.ph/news/Abalos-hails-opening-of-first-Muslim-Filipino-museum/NC-2023-1247